Army contracts local company for R&D

SCHENECTADY — The U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers has contracted local -company TransTech Systems Inc. to develop an electromagnetic impedance spectroscope for military uses. The device would be used to measure the stability of soil before construction or military maneuvers are carried out.

U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers regimental crest

Currently, the Army uses a 40 pound spectroscope that is fueled by nuclear energy. Not only would would the new device weigh about 70 percent less, it would also eliminate the need for nuclear power.

“The technology is a platform technology that could have potential uses in other applications,” said Peter Guidarelli, president of the biomedical division of TransTech. Guidarelli noted that the device could eventually be used in everything from building airfields to monitoring glucose levels.

The contract also brings several news jobs to the company, all in the technology and engineering fields. The amount of the contract was not disclosed because Army officials were not available for comment.

“TransTech has been an industry leader for over 13 years. It truly is a revolutionary, breakthrough technology, born here in Schenectady,” said Guidarelli.